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The design brand, Annie Phillips is looking to step up its licensing activity across the Benelux region, having signed with the international agency, License Connection. The firm will represent the brand across a range of product categories. The Annie Phillips art for living brand generates creative design ideas by taking …

Authentic Brands Group has finalised the purchase of the intellectual property of Sports Illustrated from Meredith Corporation in a deal valued at $110 million. The acquisition adds yet another new arm to ABG’s growing portfolio, which currently generates over $9.3 billion in global retail sales a year. The deal now …

24th May 2019Entertainment, Highlight, LiveComments Off on Rainbow Productions eyes growth in Asian attractions business with IAAPA Expo Asia debut

The UK costume character and mascot specialist, Rainbow Productions is looking to grow its presence in the Asian market by tapping into the region’s booming attractions industry. To help kickstart the move, it will be making its debut appearance at IAAPA Expo Asia, taking place in Shanghai from June 12 …

24th May 2019Entertainment, HighlightComments Off on Gigantosaurus looks to “make huge impact on pre-school space” with latest signings

The CGI animated pre-school series Gigantosaurus is building out its consumer products portfolio with a raft of new US partners across apparel and soft home fashions. The new lines will hit retail in spring 2020 and will follow an initial toy launch from the show’s master licensee Jakks Pacific. American …

24th May 2019Entertainment, HighlightComments Off on Mattel extends Warner Bros. partnership for the DC Universe franchise

Mattel has extended its global licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to continue to be the toy licensee for DC in the girls, pre-school, vehicles, games and novelty toy categories. The agreement will support and grow existing DC Universe franchises, as well as new content for DC Super Hero …

24th May 2019Entertainment, HighlightComments Off on USAopoly and Disney partner for new Star Wars cooperative card and dice game

There has been a disturbance in the Force as USAopoly and Disney Consumer Products UK detail the launch of Star Wars: Dark Side Rising, a new cooperative card and dice game. Inspired by the events leading up to and through Star Wars: A New Hope, the game sees players work …

23rd May 2019Highlight, PeopleComments Off on Judith Kerr, author and illustrator of The Tiger Who Came to Tea dies aged 95

Judith Kerr, the author and illustrator of the iconic pre-school picture book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, has died at the age of 95. Kerr started her career in publishing in her 40s and saw sales of her debut title hit one million as she turned 94. Over a …

Mattel’s head of digital Andrew Chan sees a big future in apps and gaming for the global toymaker and its brand portfolio, despite the firm’s unwavering position in the toy industry. Here he talks to Robert Hutchins about Thomas & Friends, app games and this new digital arm’s global ambition …

23rd May 2019Entertainment, Highlight, LiveComments Off on BLE 2019 to spotlight British and European animation in dedicated pavilion

Brand Licensing Europe will be shining a spotlight on the British and European animation industry this year, with a special pavilion and keynote focusing on the vibrant sector. The BLE team is now inviting studios to come forward and take part in this year’s special showcase. “The animation industry in …

BBC Studios is celebrating a landmark year of digital Doctor Who entertainment with a new cinematic, feature length Doctor Who VR videogame, scheduled to land this September. Published by PlayStack and developed by Maze Theory, Doctor Who: The Edge Of Time will transport fans into a world of aliens, mystery …